Ireland Unchanged For Wales Trip

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made no changes to the 22-man squad which fell to a 26-19 defeat to France last weekend, for Saturday's potential Six Nations title decider with Wales.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made no changes to the 22-man squad which fell to a 26-19 defeat to France last weekend, for Saturday's potential Six Nations title decider with Wales.

With the continued injury absence of Leinster duo Gordon D'Arcy (hamstring) and Shane Horgan (thumb), Ulster's Kevin Maggs is set to win his 69th cap - and make back-to-back Test starts for the first time since last February's 35-17 Six Nations loss to France.

Maggs partners Brian O'Driscoll - who is searching for an eighteenth win in his 22nd outing as captain.

Saturday marks a special anniversary for the 26-year-old Irish skipper - it will be five years to the day since he bagged a famous try hat-trick against France, in Ireland's first victory in Paris for 28 years.

O'Driscoll scored twice in last year's 36-15 win over the Welsh - and has notched six tries in his last 12 Tests, culminating in last Saturday's late effort (his 27th in all).

The squad contains three players who made their international debuts against Wales in previous years - Donncha O'Callaghan, Denis Hickie and Paul O'Connell - with the latter two having scored first time out in 1997 and 2002 respectively.

Bruff and Munster tighthead John Hayes will prop down for the 20th successive time since recovering from a groin injury in 2003.

A 13 point-win for O'Sullivan's charges, with France not beating Italy by more than 41 points, would hand Ireland their first Championship title since 1985.

A victory by any margin in Cardiff would gleam back-to-back Triple Crowns for the Irish for the first time since 1949.

In sticking by his side, O'Sullivan commented: "It wasn't a difficult team selection meeting. We didn't think about changing anyone because we played well against France, so we've stuck with the same squad.

"Once we learned that Gordon and Shane would be unavailable again - we knew we would be selecting the same side," he added.

Wales - who have injury doubts over Rhys Williams (calf), Mefin Davies (leg), Hal Luscombe (hamstring) and Gareth Cooper (ankle), although winger Williams is said to be recovering well - name their line-up tomorrow.

The Ireland team to play Wales in the RBS Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday, March 19 (kick-off 3.30pm), is as follows:

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.